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The Effect of Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises Before Gastroscopy on Anxiety, Fear, and Vital Signs
Sponsor: Eastern Mediterranean University
Summary
Gastroscopy, performed as an invasive procedure for the diagnosis and treatment of upper gastrointestinal tract diseases, is often perceived by patients as an unpleasant and frightening experience, leading to anxiety (Hua et al., 2025). The onset of anxiety reduces procedure tolerance and negatively affects patient compliance (Yang et al., 2024). Factors such as pain, fear of complications, loss of control, and inadequate information are frequently cited as contributors to pre-gastroscopy anxiety (Helba, 2024). Anxiety triggers general stress responses-such as tachycardia, hypertension, and respiratory changes-associated with autonomic nervous system activation, and it impacts sedation requirements and cardiopulmonary risks (Liu, 2025). Breathing exercises, a non-pharmacological intervention, are widely recognized in the literature as effective in alleviating anxiety and fostering positive outcomes in patients (Aktaş, 2022; Bulut \& Karabulut, 2023). Breathing exercises stand out as a safe, low-cost method that modulates autonomic nervous system activity (Herawati et al., 2023). This study examines the effects of diaphragmatic breathing exercises performed prior to gastroscopy on anxiety, fear, and vital signs. The results of this study will establish a scientific foundation for healthcare professionals regarding the clinical application of breathing exercises and contribute to evidence-based practices aimed at reducing pre-gastroscopy anxiety and fear while enhancing personal coping.
Official title: The Effect of Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises Performed Prior to Diagnostic Gastroscopy on Anxiety, Fear, and Vital Signs in Adult Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
64
Start Date
2026-07-31
Completion Date
2026-10-30
Last Updated
2026-08-24
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Interventions
Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises
Participants will perform a standardized breathing intervention consisting of pursed-lip breathing followed by diaphragmatic breathing. First, participants will complete 1 minute of pursed-lip breathing by inhaling deeply through the nose and exhaling slowly through slightly pursed lips to improve expiratory control and prepare for diaphragmatic breathing. They will then perform four sets of 10 diaphragmatic breaths. Each breathing cycle will include inhalation through the nose for 3-5 seconds, a 2-second pause, and controlled exhalation through the mouth for 6-7 seconds, with 30-60-second rest periods between sets. The total intervention will last approximately 10 minutes. Participants will be monitored throughout the session, instructed to focus on their breathing, and the intervention will be stopped if discomfort occurs.
Locations (1)
Famagusta State Hospital
Famagusta, Cyprus